Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Models of Bone Metastasis
Published on: September 4, 2012
[Research on mechanism underlying bone damage in myeloma--review]
1Department of Hematology, Changzheng Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China. houjian@medmail.com.cn
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B cell malignancy characterized by enhanced bone loss that commonly associated with diffuse osteopenia, focal lytic lesions, pathologic fractures, and bone pain. The key mechanism of bone damage in myeloma is the abnormal regulation in bone metastasis, with increased osteoclast function and decreased osteoblast activity. This article reviewed the factors implicated, such as receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP-1alpha), SDF-1 and Wnt pathway. Further understanding of the regulation system of bone homeostasis helps to offer possible targets for future therapy.
Related Concept Videos
What is the Skeletal System?
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
The Bone Matrix
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...

